CAN YOU PUT PAPER TOWEL IN YOUR AIR FRYER? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW PLUS SIMPLE RECIPES

Ah, the air fryer! This versatile kitchen appliance has revolutionized home cooking, offering crispy, delicious dishes with minimal oil. But amidst the excitement, a popular question pops up: Can you put paper towel in air fryer? It is a very common query when you just own a new air fryer and don’t want anything to go wrong. 

The short answer is a firm “no” due to potential fire hazards and uneven cooking.

However, fear not! In this article, I will share with you the experiences of 2 years using this ‘powerful mini oven’ to maximize both safety and efficiency in your air fryer adventures. 

At the end of the article, I will share with you 3 simple recipes with an air fryer in under 20 minutes.

So, put your paper towels down and dive in!

I may earn from affiliate links, but my recommendations are unbiased. See full disclaimer.

Understanding Your Air Fryer’s Playground

Think of your air fryer as a tiny, superheated tornado. It’s like a powerful oven that rapidly circulates hot air to cook food, mimicking the effect of deep-frying without the oil. This magic relies heavily on airflow, so choosing the right materials and accessories becomes crucial.

Safe Zone:

• Metal accessories: Your air fryer comes with its own basket and rack, designed specifically for heat resistance and optimal airflow. These are your go-to buddies!
• Silicone liners: These heat-safe wonders help absorb grease and make cleaning a breeze. Just ensure they fit your model and don’t block airflow.
• Parchment paper: Perforated parchment paper allows airflow while preventing food from sticking. Perfect for baking or catching drips.
• Air fryer accessories: Explore specific accessories designed for your model, like skewers for kebabs or pizza pans for crispy delights. Remember to check heat resistance and compatibility.

Danger Zone:

• Paper towels: As tempting as it may be, say no! Paper towels can easily catch fire or flutter into the heating element, posing a serious safety risk.
• Aluminum foil: While good for wrapping food, using it to line the basket disrupts airflow, leading to uneven cooking and potential fire hazards. It is good only when you make sure that the entire rack is not blocked by the foil. It needs some space to circulate the air, you know. That is why it has the AIR in its name.
• Non-approved materials: Avoid plastic containers, wooden utensils, or anything flammable inside your air fryer. The air fryer can heat the food to 240 degrees. Everything can be melted under its power. And the only thing we want to be melted is cheese, right?

Can you put paper towel in air fryer? Myth Busters

Let’s face it, paper towels seem convenient. But remember, safety and efficiency come first! Here are some safe and effective alternatives:

• Parchment paper: Perfect for lining the basket to catch drips or for baking delicate items like fish or spring rolls.
• Silicone liners: Ideal for absorbing grease and simplifying cleanup, especially for messy foods like sausages or wings. It is a hot item on Tiktok Shop and Amazon. Here to get it!
• Oil splatter guard: This handy accessory prevents oil splatters from reaching the heating element, keeping your air fryer cleaner and reducing smoke. This will help you clean the air fryer with ease!
• Paper Air fryer liners: An alternative to silicone and made with materials similar to parchment paper but formed along the shape of the air fryer basket. For 1 basket, get it here. For 2 baskets like the Ninja bad boy I am using, here is the product you need.

Cleaning Your Air Fryer

After all that delicious air-fried goodness, cleaning is essential. Here’s how to keep your appliance sparkling:

1. Let it cool: This is crucial to avoid burns.
2. Remove the basket and rack: Wash them with warm soapy water or toss them in the dishwasher (check your manual).
3. Wipe down the interior: Use a damp cloth to remove any food residue. Never submerge the appliance in water!
4. Tackle stubborn stains: I usually soak the basket and rack with hot soapy water for a few minutes to soften the stains then scrub them with a plastic brush then finish with a sponge to make sure no greasy marks are left. If it is too tough, you may try with a paste of baking soda and water for tougher areas.
5. Clean regularly: Prompt cleaning prevents grease buildup, ensures optimal performance, and reduces odours. I clean them after every use. I know it is the pain in the a** but it does help you make great food, please treat them well for a long-lasting cooking friendship.

Safety First, Efficiency Always

Now for the golden rules:

• Never block airflow: Stick to approved materials and avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Preheat your air fryer: This ensures even cooking and crispy results.
• Monitor cooking closely: Different foods cook at different speeds and thicknesses. Keep an eye on things to avoid overcooking. Also, toss the food if needed to make sure it is cooked evenly. (Don’t do it with fragile food like fish, though)
• Read your manual: Each air fryer is different, so familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s specific instructions and recommendations.

Remember, a clean and well-maintained air fryer is a safe and efficient air fryer. By following these tips, you can cook delicious, healthy meals with confidence and peace of mind.

Bonus, 3 Easy Air Fryer Recipes

1. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries

These healthy fries are addictive and simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

2. Lemon Pepper Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

This quick and healthy meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner. If you are on a keto diet, this recipe is perfect for you. For more keto recipes, check them out here.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rub salmon fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning.
3. Place salmon in the air fryer basket along with asparagus spears.
4. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flaky.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

3. Air Fryer Banana Fritters with Honey Dipping Sauce

These sweet treats are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, sliced into thick rounds
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil for spraying

For the Honey Dipping Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Dip banana slices in the milk mixture, then coat evenly in the flour mixture.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil.
5. Arrange banana slices in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
6. Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. For the dipping sauce, whisk together honey, water, and cinnamon.
8. Serve banana fritters warm with the honey dipping sauce.

Summary

Using an air fryer to cook your favorite foods, such as french fries, crispy bacon and chicken wings, is a good idea. 

The high heat and circulating hot air mimic the cooking process of deep fryers but with significantly less oil, making it a safer and healthier alternative. 

Sheets of paper towels or wax paper should be avoided as they can pose a fire risk and obstruct proper airflow within the air fryer’s basket. 

Instead, opt for safe alternatives like baking parchment or a silicone liner, which can prevent excess grease and food particles from accumulating at the bottom of the air fryer, reducing the risk of a fire hazard. 

Plus, cleanup is a breeze with removable parts and a nonstick coating. Simply soak them in warm water and mild soap to remove excess oil and greasy food residue. 

With the right accessories and a bit of experimentation, you can enjoy delicious meals cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

If you find this article helpful, please share it with your air fryer buddy and make more delicious dishes together!